One in three women has been sexually harassed at work

One in three women has endured some form of sexual harassment in the workplace - with most lewd remarks being made by the boss, a study found today.

Thirty-two per cent of those polled said they had been the subject of an inappropriate remark or suggestion, with one in four saying that it came from their immediate manager.

It also revealed that 16 per cent of the country's 29 million workers dreads going to work for fear of facing lecherous colleagues.

Sexual harassment: 32 per cent of women said they had been the subject of an inappropriate remark or suggestion at work. (Posed by models)

Almost one in five said they had even been forced to fend off advances of a colleague and one in 20 people have quit a job due to constant sexual harassment.

Will Burrows, head of employment law for LawOptions.co.uk, which carried out the study said: 'A massive part of our lives is spent at work, but it can be extremely difficult if you have to face lewd remarks from your colleagues.

'It's even more worrying to think that so many are putting up with this behaviour from their boss.

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'Employees are there to do a job and it's wrong that those around you can make you feel uncomfortable while you are trying to get on with what you are paid to do.'

The study of 2,300 workers - both male and female - found that 12 per cent were upset by the remarks, 17 per cent felt angry, and seven per cent lost confidence. Five per cent were even made to feel that the remarks were their own fault.

Fourteen per cent of those polled were dreading their office Christmas parties in case a boss or colleague cornered them.

The study also showed that one in 20 have asked their boss or colleague to stop making the remarks, but 12 per cent of those said it made the situation worse.

'Taking steps to resolve an unsavoury work situation can seem daunting but facing the issue with knowledge of your rights in the workplace is only way to resolve the unwelcome and intimidating behaviour,' Mr Burrows continued.

'With the Christmas party and annual appraisal season upon us, bosses and colleagues can get carried away with the frivolity and a position of power.

'With a tough economic climate still surrounding us, it is more important than ever that employees feel they can resolve issues in the workplace rather than feel they have to leave.'